Psalms: An Introduction and Outline

 Authors:

 

            • David: 73 psalms

            • Solomon: 2 (Pss. 72, 127)

            • Sons of Korah: 12 (Pss. 42-49; 84; 85; 87; 88)

            • Asaph: 12 (Pss. 50; 73-83)

            • Jeduthun: 3 (Pss. 39, 62, 77)

            • Moses: 1 (Ps. 90)

            • Heman the Ezrahite: 1 (Ps. 88)

            • Ethan the Ezrahite: 1 (Ps. 89)

            • Unknown authorship: 45 psalms

Date: The earliest psalm (Ps. 90) is attributed to Moses (ca. 1526-1406 B.C.). The latest psalms make reference to the Babylonian Captivity in 586 B.C. (Ps. 137) as well as the return from captivity (Pss. 126), which would have been during the reign of Cyrus II (ca. 539-530 B.C.).

Recipients: The nation of Israel

Purpose: To serve as a songbook for God's people.[1]

Names for Psalms:

           

            • Hebrew Bible: "Praise Songs" (תהלים)

            • LXX: Psalms (Ψάλμοι)

            • Latin: Psalmi

An Outline of Psalms:

I. Book 1 (Pss. 1-41): Composed during the life of David

II. Book 2 (Pss. 42-72): Composed perhaps during the life of David or the reign of Josiah

III. Book 3 (Pss. 73-89): Perhaps composed during the reign of Josiah

IV. Book 4 (Pss. 90-106): Likely composed during the time of Ezra-Nehemiah

V. Book 5 (Pss. 107-150): Likely composed during the time of Ezra-Nehemiah

[1] Bill T. Arnold and Bryan E. Beyer, Encountering the Old Testament: A Christian Survey (Grand Rapids: Baker, 1998), 304.